From Top: 'Akanbe Nontan' ('Nontan Pulling Down Eye'), 'Akanbe Kitsune' ('Fox Pulling Down Eye'), 'Nontan', rough sketch, 'Nontan Tatan Zukan' ('Nontan Tatan Picture Dictionary of Play') Sachiko Kiyono / Kaiseisha, Limited Exhibition-only Nontan coffee mug / 'Hamigaku Ha-mi- ⓒ KIYONO／K
'Minna Daisuki! Nontan-ten' ('Everybody Loves You! - Nontan Exhibition')
This exhibition features the young tomcat, Nontan, a character created by picture book author Sachiko Kiyono. It all began when Kiyono-san created a character based on a white fox pup. Among the feedback she received was the advice to make an animal character that was a little more 'child-friendly'. After following this advice, the white cat now known as 'Nontan' was born.
Though Nontan is mischievous and naughty, he's got a lot of friends.
It's no wonder that such a fun and energetic character like Nontan became popular with kids. However, when Nontan was first published, the book received much criticism. Within children's literature, Nontan was a rarity in that the books were neither didactic nor moral. In fact, the main character was criticized as being "selfish and unapologetic" and accused of "cultivating childish naughtiness". Kiyono-san responded to these critical voices by saying, "Picture books almost always place a priority on well-mannered characters and beautifully-rendered artistic illustrations. But I didn't pay any mind to that. I just wanted to channel my passion into making a picture book that was fun."
Originally published in 1976, last year marked the 35th anniversary of the book titled 'Nontan Buranko Nosete' (Nontan on the Swings' published by Kaiseisha). Before passing away in 2008, author Sachiko Kiyono was quoted as saying, "Even after I die, I hope children will continue to love Nontan." As she had hoped, peoples' love for Nontan has truly transcended generations.
On January 18th, the Matsuya Department Store in Ginza opened the exhbition titled 'Minna Daisuki! Nontan-ten' ('Everybody Loves You! - Nontan Exhibition'). Among the 150 works on display are original sketches such as 'Akanbe Kitsune' ('Fox Pulling Down Eye'), which paved the way for Nontan's debut. Moreover, a number of original items are being sold at the exhibition, including Nontan coffee mugs (1,365 yen/tax incl.), iPhone cases and T-shirts. Don't miss the bright and cheerful world of Nontan!
35th Anniversary Exhibition - The Picture Book World of Sachiko Kiyono - Featuring original drawings.
'Minna Daisuki! Nontan-ten' ('Everybody Loves You! - Nontan Exhibition')
Exhibition Duration：January 18-23, 2012
Hours： 10:00 a.m. ～ 8:00 p.m.
Place： Event Space at Matsuya Department Store in Ginza
Admission： Adults 1,000 yen, High School Students 700 yen, Junior High and Younger free
Inquiries： Matsuya Ginza 03-3567-1211
http://www.kaiseisha.co.jp/special/nontan35th/
